Ohio Bakery Hit with $394K Fines Over Hazardous Work Environment

The U.S. Department of Labor has taken significant action against an Ohio commercial bakery following a federal investigation that revealed serious safety violations. The investigation found that New Horizons Baking Co. allegedly exposed its workers to a range of unsafe working conditions, including chemical hazards, as well as risks associated with being caught between, caught in, and struck by machinery.

In addition to these alarming safety concerns, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited the bakery for three repeat violations. These included the failure to adequately train employees on lockout/tagout procedures, neglecting to lockout and tagout machines, and not providing proper guarding for dangerous machinery. Such oversights have put employees at risk of pinch-point, struck-by, and caught-in hazards, which can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities.

OSHA’s findings against New Horizons Baking Co. resulted in three repeat violations, nine serious violations, and one other-than-serious violation, culminating in proposed penalties amounting to $394,849. This hefty fine underscores the seriousness of the violations and the importance of maintaining a safe working environment.

The company has a window of 15 business days from the receipt of their citations and penalties to take action. They can choose to comply with the findings, request an informal conference with OSHA to discuss the violations, or contest the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. It is important to note that penalties and citations may be subject to adjustment as the case progresses.

Source: OSHA

Topics
Ohio

The U.S. Department of Labor has taken significant action against an Ohio commercial bakery following a federal investigation that revealed serious safety violations. The investigation found that New Horizons Baking Co. allegedly exposed its workers to a range of unsafe working conditions, including chemical hazards, as well as risks associated with being caught between, caught in, and struck by machinery.

In addition to these alarming safety concerns, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited the bakery for three repeat violations. These included the failure to adequately train employees on lockout/tagout procedures, neglecting to lockout and tagout machines, and not providing proper guarding for dangerous machinery. Such oversights have put employees at risk of pinch-point, struck-by, and caught-in hazards, which can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities.

OSHA’s findings against New Horizons Baking Co. resulted in three repeat violations, nine serious violations, and one other-than-serious violation, culminating in proposed penalties amounting to $394,849. This hefty fine underscores the seriousness of the violations and the importance of maintaining a safe working environment.

The company has a window of 15 business days from the receipt of their citations and penalties to take action. They can choose to comply with the findings, request an informal conference with OSHA to discuss the violations, or contest the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. It is important to note that penalties and citations may be subject to adjustment as the case progresses.

Source: OSHA

Topics
Ohio